Climbing Mount Elbrus (Russia) from south
The highest European point – Mount Elbrus is a dream for many mountaineers all over the world.
It is a crater of an extinct volcano on a side ridge of the Russian Caucasus Mountains. Its double-headed snow covered peak and its glaciers (the longest of them is 8,2 km) are traditional targets for many climbers. The high altitude (835 meters higher than Mont Blanc), accompanied by lack of oxygen and strong wind are the main difficulties climbers face on the way to the Elbrus top. Yet those who reached the top enjoy the right to be considered true climbers - which is one reason this route is so popular.
Tour Highlights
♦ Caucasus Mountains range, stretching about 1,127 kilometers (about 700 miles) between Black and Caspian seas
♦ The highest point of Europe - Mt. Elbrus
♦ Moscow - the capital of Russia
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival to Mineralnye Vody
Meeting in Mineralnye Vody airport at 14:30. Bus ride (4 hrs.) to a mountain hotel in the Baksan valley near the foothills of Mt. Elbrus. Overnight in a hotel. (2300 m/7546 ft).
Day 2. Terskol peak
Today we have an acclimatization hike up to Terskol peak (3100 m a.s.l.), providing very close and magnificient view of Mt. EIbrus. Highlight of the route is the waterfall, called the “Virgin hairs” and observatory of the Rassian Academy of sciences. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 3. Cheget Peak
Acclimatization hike to Mount Cheget (3400 m/ 11155 ft)). This is the last day before you leave the valley and after hike you can visit equipment store in order to hire something. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 4. Mir Station - Barrels hut
We ride two gondolas up to the Mir Station, and then take a chairlift to Garabashi Hut (3800 m/ 12,467 ft). Check into the Barrels Refuge.(3750m). An acclimatization hike to 4100m. (where Priutt 11 Refuge was situated). Overnight in the hut.
Day 5. Barrels hut - acclimatisation
Acclimatization hike up to 4300 m/ 14,107 ft to begin of the two parallel rocky ranges.
Day 6. Pastuckhov rocks
After breakfast we’ll do an acclimatization hike to 4700m to the top of the Pastukhov Rocks. We will enjoy the breath taking panorama to the Central Caucasus Massif (with peaks like Uzba – 4700 m a.s.l., Dongus Orun – 4564 m a.s.l., Nakra Tau – 4270 m a.s.l. etc.). Overnight at the Barrels (4hrs walk).
Day 7. Barrels hut - acclimatisation
Rest day. Could be used individually for more acclimatization hikes. If the group is experienced we could try to reach the summit today (depending on the weather and the guide’s judgment).
Day 8. Summit day
We have to start very early (at 03.00 a.m.). Using headlamps we make our way to Pastuhov Rocks where we stop for a short rest and some drinks (Snow-cat could also be used in order to save time and energy for the summit itself). The route after the rocks goes steep and straight heading to the foothills of the Eastern peak of Elbrus. Than the path turns almost horizontally and leads to the saddle (5300 m a.s.l.) between the two peaks (3,30 hours walk from Pastuhov Rocks). After long and necessary break here we continue walking on a steep slope, reaching a flat terrain just before the peak (1,30 hours walk from the saddle to the peak). The reward is to stand on top of the highest mountain in Europe (5642 m a.s.l.). After some time spend there for taking pictures we head back to the Barrels. Actually people are not in a hurry on the way back and it takes about 4-5 hours.
Day 9. An extra day
This extra day is scheduled into the itinerary in case we encounter bad weather or need additional time for acclimatization. Having this extra day has proven to dramatically improve the team's success. If we do not use this day for our summit attempt, we can spend the day relaxing, horseback riding, fishing and/or visiting the local market. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 10. Barrels hut - Terskol
Descent to Baxan Valley by the gondola-lift. We will have free time for hiking in the region. We stay overnight in the hotel in Terskol.
Day 11. Terskol - Mineralnye Vody - departure
Transfer to Mineralnye Vody Airport. Departure flight to Moscow.
Included in the price: ►group transfers to/from Mineralnye Vody airport to Baxan Valley ►lift tickets as per itinerary (days 4 and 10) ►5 overnights in double room in the hotel (days 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10) and 5 overnights in a dorm at the Barrels camps (6 beds per barrel) ►full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 11) ►English-speaking mountain guide throughout the trip (1 guide for 4-5 tourists during the summit day) ►cook at the Barrels ►Caucasus National Park permit ►Russian visa support
Not included: ►flight tickets to/from Mineralnye Vody ►Russian visa ►insurance ►rental of equipment ►hire of snow cat ►alcohol drinks, extra snacks and beverages ►personal expenses ►unexpected preliminary evacuation cost ►extra lift and transfers.
Other expenses: ►single supplement 125 EUR (valid only for the overnights at the hotel) ►rent of snow cat 400 EUR per 1 drive for 1-8 persons from the mountain hut to the Pastuhov Rocks (price for 2010) ►individual mountain guide for the summit day 280 EUR per one guide.
Good to know: The arrival transfer on day 1 is scheduled according to the last flight arriving at Mineralnye Vody at 19:25 h. while the departure transfer leaves Terskol in connection with the earliest flight departing from Mineralnye Vody at 12:40 h.
How to get there: Please, contact us if you would like us to help you find suitable flights at the best price. When helping you to find flights we always try to find the best price for you according to the departure and arrival times. Prices vary depending on the airline and current availability. However, remember that the cheap airfares are often difficult or impossible to reschedule or cancel. Payment of the ticket is with your own credit card directly to the airline or travel agent airline, which also sends out confirmation of booking. A service charge (non-refundable) will be added if you want us to help you find the appropriate plane ticket.
Visa: ►All nationals need visa to enter Russia. Please, check at the Russian embassy in your country about visa regulations ►we provide visa support while you have to take care of applying for your Russian visa
Recommended travel period of the year: June - October
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